The following Release was received by WMUN / Woof Boom Radio news on 10/12/26, at 11:30 a.m. from Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour:
“Today, I am here to announce that as of December 31, 2027, I will retire and not seek reelection for Mayor of Muncie. This decision to retire next year is not an easy one and has been influenced by several factors over the last year.
#1- Thoughtful Prayer- We have pondered, prayed, sought guidance from others and originally wanted to announce my decision immediately upon my return in July. In the end we were encouraged to get through the 2027 Budget process before announcing the retirement.
#2- Health Issues- My recent cancer diagnosis provided a clear realization that regardless of what each of us may desire, none of us are guaranteed by God to have time on this earth.
#3- Goal of a Stable, Growing Muncie- Another factor I pondered considerably during my recouperation in June and July is that I have achieved nearly everything I wanted to accomplish when I was first elected in 2020. We inherited some financial challenges which took some effort to overcome. Now, our end-of-year cash situation has improved four years in a row. We have been very careful fiscally and have reduced MRC Debt by $16.2 million. This was done by never borrowing money for a developer. We simply pay cash or say no. Muncie is also now seeing growth in both housing units and population numbers. This growth is now helping us bring in some not yet announced good things in 2027 or soon after. Our City Employees have received higher salary increases in the last 7 years than at any time in memory. We improved the Police vehicle fleet dramatically and even though we started short 23 police officers in 2020, we are now fully staffed. We have built a new Fire Station and have a second Fire Station under construction. Things are overall, good and solid. All of these objectives were achieved by the team, not by me. I wish to express my appreciation to all the Department Heads and the employees of this great city. You are the best. Thank you.
#4- Time and Service to Muncie- Next week, I turn 67. As I look back, I moved to Muncie in 2004. For more than half of my years in this city, I have served as either a City Council member or as Mayor. I am proud of that fact, and it is time for others.
#5- Wife and Family- But the biggest factor in my decision is that when I began as Mayor, Sherry and I had four children and four grandchildren. We knew the sacrifices required that came with the job. We calculated these factors and chose to serve Muncie and we love it. Seven years later, we are up to six grandchildren with a seventh child due in December. Soon, the next phase in my life will begin. It is time for me to spend more precious hours with Sherry, the grandkids and my family.
I will continue working tirelessly for the next 14.5 months in this job as Mayor that I love. Serving Muncie as Mayor has been the honor of my life.”
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